Looking at new path to diploma

High school students: Tired of sitting through classes when you know the material?

Or having to take basket weaving just to fill your schedule?

Wish you could just test out of classes, graduate early and get on with your life?

All that soon could be within reach.

The State Board of Education is talking about revolutionizing how high schools go about education.

Students would be asked to rack up a few more required credits. And they could simply demonstrate what they know by passing a test instead of taking a class.

But more would be expected of them when they do take a course. In order to earn credit, a student would have to earn a C or better and pass a year-end test. That means D's won't count.

Board members believe this "competency-based education," or meeting knowledge instead of seat-time standards, is the wave of the future — and a way to address criticisms of social promotion or churning out graduates unprepared for college or the work force.

"I think we're going to see some remarkable changes," said Pamela Atkinson, a member of the college-governing Utah Board of Regents and non-voting member of the State Board of Education. "I firmly believe this proposal . . . will enhance the positive components we currently have in our system."

Competency-based education has been pushed by Gov. Mike Leavitt and his Employers Education Coalition. The coalition, led by Salt Lake Organizing Committee President Fraser Bullock, has reported a survey of area businesses indicates high school graduates lack basic writing and math skills. Colleges also report increased demand for remedial coursework in those subjects.

A state school board committee — and at least one school district — has met for months to discuss how to implement competency-based education. The committee presented its proposal in a Thursday school board meeting.

The number of required credits would jump from 15 to 18. Current credits required in each subject wouldn't change much, except students would have to pick up a personal finance class. They also would have to focus the extra three credits in any area they choose, be it art, engineering or auto mechanics.

The state currently requires nine elective credits, for a total of 24 credits, to graduate. Elective credits would be left up to school districts.